1958 Austin A 40 vs. 1972 Ford Gran Torino
To start off, 1972 Ford Gran Torino is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 6,553 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Ford Gran Torino is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Ford Gran Torino (168 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 133 more horse power than 1958 Austin A 40. (35 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Ford Gran Torino should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford Gran Torino weights approximately 1253 kg more than 1958 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1972 Ford Gran Torino (403 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 335 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1972 Ford Gran Torino will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Austin A 40. 1972 Ford Gran Torino has automatic transmission and 1958 Austin A 40 has manual transmission. 1958 Austin A 40 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Ford Gran Torino will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Austin A 40 | 1972 Ford Gran Torino | |
| Make | Austin | Ford |
| Model | A 40 | Gran Torino |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 6553 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 403 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.9 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 761 kg | 2014 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 5470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 3000 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 26 L | 76 L |
